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I surrendered last year and had a professional come due to a frezze in the forcast. But I want to try again. I have borrowed a good-size compressor and attached to what looks like the only place I can. I believe my setup is noncomforming due to not have a hookup downstream from the value. I let compressor build up to 60psi, set up the autotimer to first zone and attached hose. All I seem to get is air escaping from value release. Any help appreciated.

After some trial and error, I found that to stop the air from coming out the top, I had to let the pressure build up in the tank to about 50psi or more, then attached the hose. This quick pressure increase caused the valve to close as it would if water was flowing through. I then cycled through the zones. The heads didn't stick straight up but there was enough pressure to blow out the water. Once I connected the hose, the pressure never got much over 25psi, which was barely enought. I don't know the size of the compressor i used (borrowed from neighbor).

When you say use the lower of the two drain valves, are you referring to the lower of the 2 testcocks on the actual Feblo backflow unit, or a drain spigot downstream of the backflow unit? I have a Feblo 765, with the same basic setup as the picture DavidQ posted, but I do not have an drain valve downstream of my backflow unit...just one upstream (in my basement).

It seems like I have a non-standard setup, but I'd like to learn to winterize my system myself. I have a powerful air compressor, so I just want to make sure I hook it up to the right place without damaging the backflow device, my valves, lines and sprinkler heads!

David,
Use the lower of the two drain valves. Keep the top one closed while you are blowing out the lines. You can buy a fitting that will be quick disconnect on one end for the compressor hookup and i think it's 3/8 male on the other. Home Depot has them or any local plumbing shop that carry's sprinkler accessories. I used a borrowed 5.5hp 25 gal craftsman that only gets to about 8cfm at 40 psi. It did the job but slowly. Rentals were $75 per day for the same size compressor and $5 for the fitting. The air would not seat the back flow valve so I needed to use the water pressure to compress the spring then switch to air to blow out the lines. Good luck.

I just bought a Craftman 3HP 15 Gal compressor and blew out
my 3 head/zone/5 zone system with eaze. I tried connecting to
each of the test cocks, but it seemed to blow out thru the
breaker valve. I ended up using a spiggot adapter I pieced
together from 1/4" QD to 3/4" spiggot swist.

you do not need industrial grade compressors to do the job.
This is the second year I've done it myself in about 1 hour.
The compress cost me $168, and service would have cost me $60
per year. So I'll make back the cost of the compressor in
two years, plus I can use it on so much more.

I just bought a Craftman 3HP 15 Gal compressor and blew out
my 3 head/zone/5 zone system with eaze. I tried connecting to
each of the test cocks, but it seemed to blow out thru the
breaker valve. I ended up using a spiggot adapter I pieced
together from 1/4" QD to 3/4" spiggot swist.

you do not need industrial grade compressors to do the job.
This is the second year I've done it myself in about 1 hour.
The compress cost me $168, and service would have cost me $60
per year. So I'll make back the cost of the compressor in
two years, plus I can use it on so much more.

This past week I was able to winterize my system successfully. I'd called around to various local irrigation companies... most were charging $10-15/zone to winterize and turn-up in the spring (w/ guarantee). I hadn't fully decided whether to do it myself or hire it out. The thought of $120 and time off work to let a contractor do it didn't thrill me at all.

I'd read all of the internet resources re: DIY irrigation (obviously) and knew I needed a BIG compressor. Called around and was able to find an Emglo 20CFM 6.5HP compressor for $50/day. Went to Lowes... found a brass adapter to take the 3/4" drain to 3/8" for the AC hose fitting. Picked up the AC from Sunbelt Rentals, back to the house... an hour later I had a winterized system. It was fairly simple, but not something I would have tackled w/o feeling properly informed and capable.

Spend a few evenings reading up and know what you're doing before diving in. Get a large gas-powered compressor capable of delivering at least 15CFM at 40-50PSI (hope you've got a truck and a friend w/ a good back). Crank the pressure down to 40PSI; test it well before you realize the regulator guage is sticky and you launch your rotors. Basically: connect the AC hose into your drain, activate your farthest zone via timer, fire the compressor, connect AC hose to compressor, cycle thru zones @ 1 min. each until you get nothing but a fine mist.

The first time is always a bit unnerving, like anything, but I'll never pay someone to do it as long as I'm able. If you've got the time and are handy in nature, go for it. If you're pressed for time, the temps are dropping and you're not 100% sure of yourself... hire it out this year and plan to DIY next year.